Noyce Scholar Profile
Carmony Adler
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biological Sciences
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Biology/Science, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Master Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
Clemson University / Robert Noyce TigersTeach Scholarship
Current academic or teaching status:
First-year Master's student
School and school district:
I will begin teaching in Fall 2013.
Background:
Growing up with entomologists as parents, I was immersed in science, always outdoors exploring and asking questions about what I saw. This curiosity and love I developed for science throughout my life never faded. In high school I took extra science classes and did my senior project on polytene chromosomes. In college I tried to take advantage of every opportunity I could to further my science experience, including taking extra science classes, working on multiple research projects, doing biological work in four different countries, attending conferences, and serving as Vice President of a conservation organization called Tigers for Tigers. The enriched science environment I have lived in led me to graduating Magna cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biological Sciences at Clemson University.
Why do you want to teach:
I have always had a passion for learning, particularly about the sciences, which is why my mind changed countless times concerning how I wanted to use science in my career. I’ve explored paths as diverse as genetics to neuroscience to conservation biology to environmental science, but I could never completely settle on just one. Through my experiences of tutoring students and working as a Zoo Camp Education Intern at the Greenville Zoo, I discovered how much I enjoy teaching what I find amazement and joy in to others. Teaching allows me to explore all of the areas of science that I enjoy, all while helping others reach their fullest potential.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
The summer after my sophomore year of college, I worked as an education intern at the Greenville Zoo. Originally, I mainly wanted to work at the zoo so I could work hands-on with the animals, but as I started teaching kids about the animals, I realized how much I enjoyed sharing my passion for wildlife and nature with them. Even though I wasn’t getting paid and had to wake up at 6 every morning with an hour commute there and back, it was beyond worth it to me. I loved every minute of it: the challenges of teaching the kids, the pleasure of sharing my passion with others, and all that I learned while I was there.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
I’m honored and thankful to be part of the Noyce program. The program allows me to focus on becoming the best teacher I can be, rather than having to be concerned about financial issues. I am also provided with a great support system of encouraging peers and instructors along with beneficial experiences that will help me throughout earning my degree and as a future teacher.
